Cowboy Cookies are the ultimate hearty and flavorful dessert, combining the best of oats, chocolate chips, pecans, and coconut for a chewy yet slightly crunchy delight. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday trays, or simply as a comforting snack, these cookies are as easy to make as they are satisfying to eat. Read on for the full recipe and tips to make them perfectly every time!
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
¾ cup chopped pecans
1 cup shredded coconut (optional but recommended)
Instructions:
Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: Use a mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in three parts, blending well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Incorporate Mix-ins: Gently stir in rolled oats, chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut.
Shape and Bake: Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
Cool and Enjoy: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Serving Tips:
Pair with Beverages: Cowboy cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a warm mug of hot chocolate for a comforting treat.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Turn these cookies into delicious ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies. Perfect for summer!
Cookie Platter: Arrange these cookies on a festive platter along with other treats like brownies or cupcakes for an impressive dessert spread at parties, holidays, or gatherings.
Lunchbox Snack: These cookies are great for packing in lunchboxes as a sweet treat for kids (or adults!) at school or work.
Storage Tips:
At Room Temperature: Store cowboy cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The cookies will stay soft and chewy if stored properly.
Freezing for Later: If you want to enjoy these cookies at a later time, freeze them! Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies can last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Storing Dough: You can also freeze the dough if you want to bake fresh cookies later. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
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